Hobbs and Shaw: a Review

An explanation of why Hobbs and Shaw is the funny action movie you didn’t know you wanted or needed this year, but it will be a great time anyway...

...which I will try to convince you without giving away spoilers.

Marissa Herman, guest writer

Disclaimer: I’m not a movie buff. I'm just an average person who likes movies that bring me joy; this is also the only The Fast and the Furious movie I’ve ever seen. I don’t drool over cars, I don’t live for spy films, and most of my enjoyment of these kind of films comes from making fun of them with the people I’m watching with.

​Part of the reason that this movie is so fun is because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it is not immune from the cliches (you need to go into this movie with a bit of a suspension of your belief in regards to the tech and other aspects) it is not above poking fun at itself while at the same time paying more attention to detail than you ever expected from this kind of movie. ​
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​Also this movie is kind of feminist? Don’t get me wrong. It does not pass the Bechdel test even remotely; the film is just generally lacking female characters, but the women they have on screen are badass, handle their own shit, and the movie makes a point to say that they are their own people (albeit in a kind of cringy way at times). I absolutely adore the male relationship building and affection showing which is not made the butt of a joke. Fuck toxic masculinity and pushing it away in these traditionally masculine movies is powerful and I’m here for it. ​

Vanessa Kirby Points a Gun in Hobbs & Shaw Photo

Without giving away too much. I will just say that The Rock, who is of Samoan decent, has a producer credit on the film and had a huge hand in the portrayal of the Samoan culture that we see in the film. I adore everything he did with it. There is a Siva Tau (think the Samoan version of a Haka) that honestly gave me chills because it felt meaningful and authentic in its place in the film. It was meaningful for him and his family and that pride shows through. 

Also Idris Elba is the bad guy, and Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds have small parts in the film, which come on, that’s a good cast.

Dwayne Johnson & Ryan Reynolds Show Off Matching Tattoos in Behind-the-Scenes Hobbs & Shaw Photo

It’s funny, it’s ridiculous, and it’s surprisingly authentic and heartfelt. All I’m saying is that it’s worth more than the credit people have given it and you should give it a shot.

Marissa Herman: friend of the incomparable Colin. Fan of things distracting and fun. Vampire who heals (night shift nurse).

(Editor's Note: Marissa wrote her own bio, and I did not make her say that.)